support Swiss representations in safeguarding Switzerland’s interests and in emergencies involving Swiss citizens abroad. In an emergency the representation responsible (embassy or consulate-general) must be contacted immediately.

A selection of websites explaining how Switzerland is structured and how it functions, providing you with the information you will need to form an opinion and exercise your political rights from overseas

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Dual citizenship

Since 1 January 1992, Swiss law has allowed multiple citizenship without any restrictions. Nevertheless, the acquisition of a foreign citizenship is subject to the legislation of the other state concerned.

Swiss citizens who acquire a foreign citizenship

Swiss citizens may acquire another nationality without affecting their Swiss citizenship provided that the legislation of the other state does not require that they renounce their citizenship of origin. For further information on the applicable citizenship legislation of the other state, please contact the competent authority of that state directly.

Swiss nationals living abroad who have acquired citizenship of another state must notify the representation where they are registered.

Foreign nationals applying for Swiss naturalisation

By acquiring Swiss citizenship, foreign nationals may lose the citizenship of their country of origin if the legislation of their country of origin requires it. Relevant official information can be obtained from the authorities of the country of origin.

Consequences of multiple citizenship for FDFA services

Individuals with multiple citizenship may be entitled to receive only a limited range of FDFA services, which are governed by the Swiss Abroad Act (SAA; CC 195.1) and the Swiss Abroad Ordinance (SAO; CC 195.11).

Swiss citizens who hold multiple citizenship may receive the same Swiss consular protection as persons who only hold Swiss citizenship. A Swiss citizen who is also a citizen of the state where they reside may receive Swiss consular protection provided that their country of residence does not object.

Swiss citizens who are also citizens of their country of residence are treated by the local authorities as their own citizens because they consider that the non-Swiss citizenship takes precedence.

Swiss citizens residing abroad who hold multiple citizenship are generally not entitled to Swiss social assistance if the foreign citizenship takes precedence.